Welcome to the 2024 NBA draft, where skills are abundant but playmaking is damn near non-existent. While this class has faced criticism over the years, there’s still plenty of high upside, plug-and-play role players, and a healthy dose of TH hot takes.
This year, I’ve laid out my top 60 big board to support my fellow die-hard fans who will tune in for the NBA Advertiser’s Day 2 draft coverage; use it wisely.
Lego…
Position G | School Kentucky | Year Freshman | Age 20 | Height 6’3″ | Weight 180
T$ Likely Player Outcome: All-Star Level Guard
Top NBA Skill: High-Level Shooting
Reed Sheppard is the top prospect in this year’s NBA draft, thanks to his exceptional versatility and basketball IQ. He stands out with his rare combo of elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess (check out his high steal rate). His court vision and decision-making are way beyond his years, letting him adapt to different roles and shine in high-pressure moments. Plus, his work ethic and commitment to getting better point to a growth trajectory that could make him a franchise cornerstone. With his all-around game and leadership skills, Sheppard is set to make an immediate impact and become a perennial All-Star. He’s the best player in this draft to me, hands down.
Position F | School Colorado | Year Freshman | Age 19 | Height 6’8″ | Weight 180
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Starter with All-Star Upside
Top NBA Skill: Athleticism
Cody Williams is set to be the biggest steal in this draft. He’s a dynamic scorer with a knack for getting buckets from anywhere on the court. His athleticism and agility make him a nightmare for defenders, while his defensive skills are nothing to scoff at either. Plus, Williams has that X-factor—confidence and a drive to keep getting better alongside his brother, Jalen. His handle and upside have been in question since his down season at Colorado, but I am standing firm that his injuries and a veteran team played a primary role there. I am betting on Cody, just like I did his brother.
Position F | School G-League Ignite | Year Rookie | Age 19 | Height 6’10″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Starter with All-Star Upside
Top NBA Skill: Offensive Versatility
This Chicago kid plays with an edge. His long frame makes his offensive game versatile, allowing him to shoot or handle the ball off a swing pass. In high school, he shot with impressive efficiency and used his size to win several junior dunk contests (check out his YouTube). The biggest knock on Matas—and any G-Leaguer from last year—is having to watch their pitiful team to gather tape. Sure, the team went 2-32 with the likes of John Jenkins and Norris Cole running the show, but that didn’t shake my confidence in Buzelis’ ability at the next level.
Position G | School Duke | Year Freshman | Age 20 | Height 6’3″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Top 8 Rotation Player with 3-Pt Prowess
Top NBA Skill: 3 Point Shooting
This ranking goes out on a limb for the personality Jared McCain has shown during his draft process. Basketball-wise, he’s an excellent shooter (40% from distance this year with Duke) with great defensive intensity and the maturity to finish with two feet in the paint. Personality-wise, he’s an intelligent extrovert who is eager to learn and brings positivity to his entire team. That infectious energy gives me serious Maxey vibes, and if he can improve even half as much as Tyrese did since he was selected, he’ll earn this ranking.
Position F/G | School Tennessee | Year Senior | Age 23 | Height 6’6″ | Weight 210
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Rotation Scoring Threat with Secondary Playmaking
Top NBA Skill: Three Level Scoring
Knecht wore me down during the draft process with his relentless ability to finish at all three levels with efficiency. A late bloomer, Dalton worked his way through the JuCo circuit and the Big Sky before finally reaching his potential with Rick Barnes. What has brought him up my board is his athletic testing and willingness to play a variety of roles at the next level. I wouldn’t be shocked if Knecht looks like an All-Star in a few years.
Position F | School G-League Ignite | Year Rookie | Age 19 | Height 6’7″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Tenacious Defender with Scoring Upside
Top NBA Skill: Defensive Intensity
Holland spent the past year taking his lumps as the de-facto point guard for the struggling Ignite team, but I’m buying his tools at the next level. First, he uses his solid frame to hound players on the perimeter. Mix that with his relentless driving ability, and you have a wing that can earn minutes in any NBA rotation. The swing skill for Ron is his jumper, which was inconsistent in the G-League, but his FT shooting and the upcoming change of role will give him the chance to flourish. Buy into Ron Holland.
Position C | School UConn | Year Sophomore | Age 20 | Height 7’3″ | Weight 280
T$ Likely Player Outcome: All-Defense Center
Top NBA Skill: Rim Protection
The debate on how to best evaluate centers at the NBA level rages on, and Clingan is our next guinea pig. With his massive frame, he’s a menace to drivers, averaging close to 3 blocks per game on the way to back-to-back UConn championships. What worries me about his overall upside is his lack of skill defending the pick-and-roll outside of drop coverage, where his foot speed is akin to Rudy Gobert on the perimeter. Ultimately, I think Donovan has passing upside on offense to differentiate his game and see him becoming a mid-tier starting center.
Position G | School Kentucky | Year Freshman | Age 19 | Height 6’2″ | Weight 165
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Spark Plug Scorer and High Energy Role Player
Top NBA Skill: Open Court Scoring
If I could give Rob three more inches of height, you might be seeing a different picture at the top of the big board—that’s how high I am on his scoring ability. Dillingham is a crafty finisher inside, mixing a quick change of pace with a knack for scoring in chaotic transition situations. I worry that his lack of size limits his All-Star potential, but he has a growth mindset that will get the most out of his tools.
Position G | School KK Crvena Zvezda | Year Rookie | Age 18 | Height 6’6″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Top 8 Rotation Point Guard
Top NBA Skill: Passing in Traffic
Disclaimer: it was discovered that Nikola had a partially torn ACL during the pre-draft process. That being said, he’s one of the youngest players in the draft and showed the ability to manage the court like an old-school guard in his limited overseas play. Taking Topic is a bet for the future, and with a promising draft on the horizon, we could see a few teams start “Tank-a-thon 2025” with this selection.
Position G | School Pitt | Year Freshman | Age 18 | Height 6’5″ | Weight 195
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Change of Pace Guard
Top NBA Skill: Pick & Roll Playmaking
Bub was a pleasant surprise last year in Oakland, emerging as a low-ranked freshman who flashed unique playmaking ability. Carrington is the best pick-and-roll operator in this draft, which has me excited for his potential at the next level. He combines shot-making with a humble attitude that makes it difficult to bet against his long-term upside. Improving his scoring ability at the rim will be crucial for him to crack starting lineups, but snagging a guard like this at #10 is a win.
Position F | School Adelaide 36ers | Year Rookie | Age 19 | Height 6’6″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: High Motor Rotational Wing
Top NBA Skill: Connective Perimeter Defense
The comp I have seen across the league for Trentyn has been Kelly Oubre, and I don’t think it’s too far off. During his time in Australia, Flowers flashed his quick-twitch athleticism and scoring ability, but he is convinced that he can offer more playmaking at the next level. I see a pretty high floor here, and given the need for switchable wings in today’s NBA, he is a solid bet at the tail end of the lottery.
Position G | School Providence | Year Junior | Age 22 | Height 6’3″ | Weight 190
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Versatile Rotational “Glue Guy”
Top NBA Skill: Rebounding
The son of long-time role player Anthony Carter, Devin has capitalized on a shooting resurgence last year to secure a solid draft position. Despite Carter’s shorter stature, he is thicc and utilizes his exceptionally long wingspan to grab rebounds at an impressive rate (over 8 RPG last year). His jumper concerns me and keeps him outside the top 10, but if he can refine it, he could become an impactful combo guard capable of breaking into a starting lineup.
Position F | School Minnesota | Year Freshman | Age 18 | Height 6’6″ | Weight 190
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Sharp Shooter with Upside
Top NBA Skill: Catch and Shoot 3s
At this stage of the draft, we’re hunting for 3&D wings, and Max Christie’s brother fits the bill. In his freshman campaign at Minnesota, he averaged close to 40% shooting on over 5 attempts from 3, along with solid numbers off the dribble. I’m keen on his athletic tools and betting on his ability to adapt to NBA defensive schemes.
Position G | School USC | Year Freshman | Age 19 | Height 6’4″ | Weight 205
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Secondary Playmaker and Bench Guard
Top NBA Skill: Athleticism and Frame
Collier was widely ranked as the top freshman entering college ranks last year until a disastrous USC team exposed some flaws. Built like a brick shit house, Collier knows how to use his wide frame to dominate possessions on the court, though finishing once he gets there remains a challenge. He’s an underrated passer and can contribute as a combo, but he may struggle if drafted to be a lead guard due to his shooting splits off the dribble.
Position F | School Miami | Year Freshman | Age 20 | Height 6’8″ | Weight 210
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Change of Pace Bench Scorer
Top NBA Skill: Pick and Pop Shooting
I see some Kyle Anderson-like tendencies in Kyshawn George, who plays the game at his own pace. His maturity stands out, and he demonstrates a deep understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. Offensively, he often positions himself on the perimeter, setting strong picks before rolling into a jumper. There’s buzz about his ball-handling abilities that he didn’t fully showcase at Miami, but regardless, I believe he has a good chance to carve out a role in the NBA.
Position G/F | School UConn | Year Freshman | Age 19 | Height 6’7″ | Weight 210
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Defensive Specialist
Top NBA Skill: Perimeter Defense
My concern with Castle lies more in his mentality entering the draft than in his skillset. Initially, he’s an NBA-ready defensive talent who showed real strength in driving to the rim during his year in Storrs. However, he’s adamant about wanting to play the lead guard role at the next level. While I understand his ambition (who wants to be known only as a defensive stopper?), I question his ability to succeed there. He struggled with shooting efficiency on limited pick-and-roll opportunities and played for a team with spacing typical in the NBA. Stephon could exceed expectations if he plays to his strengths, but I’m cautious given his ambitions and adjusting accordingly.
Position F | School Illinois | Year Senior | Age 23 | Height 6’8″ | Weight 220
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Bench Leader with High Usage
Top NBA Skill: Foul Grifting
Shannon Jr. dominated the paint this past year at Illinois, averaging close to 9 free throw attempts per game (impressive in college). Setting aside off-court issues (which appear to be resolved legally), I liken Terrence Shannon to a Lance Stephenson type: a dependable contributor in a more specialized role, possessing mature skills that may not always fit NBA offenses perfectly. He’s certainly worth the gamble at this stage of the draft.
Position G | School Marquette | Year Senior | Age 23 | Height 6’3″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Solid Point Guard and Floor Organizer
Top NBA Skill: Spatial Awareness
The league is shifting away from point guard-centric lineups, which bodes well for Tyler Kolek’s chances to make an impact. Despite his smaller stature, he’s a player who comprehends pace and knows how to deliver the ball to scorers in rhythm. Any team could benefit from his savvy off the bench, but I can envision him carving out a starting role, especially if paired with the right stars (cough Phoenix Suns cough).
Position F/C | School Perth | Year Rookie | Age 19 | Height 7’1″ | Weight 225
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Second Unit Energy Big
Top NBA Skill: Pick & Roll Defense
While I’m lower than consensus on Sarr, I still like his chances to succeed at the NBA level. I see him as a coachable big who brings defensive energy and a long wingspan that can disrupt passing lanes. My concern is that offensively, he plays more like a wing trapped in a center’s body. Watching his highlights sometimes gives me flashbacks to Thon Maker in 2012. While I believe he has a solid floor as an NBA contributor, I’m skeptical that he’ll develop enough offense to justify a lottery selection.
Position F | School Cal | Year Junior | Age 21 | Height 6’7″ | Weight 220
T$ Likely Player Outcome: High Energy Wing with Shooting Ability
Top NBA Skill: Versatility on Defense
After multiple transfers, Tyson shined in his role with Cal in 2024. He possesses an NBA-ready frame with defensive intensity and streaky scoring ability off the dribble. At Cal, he was occasionally misused as an offensive focal point (his turnover numbers give me a headache), but I project him to be a strong role player at the next level. In interviews, he likened his game to Josh Hart or Caleb Martin, and that’s more than a solid get with the 20th pick.
Position F | School Cholet Basket | Year Rookie | Age 18 | Height 6’9″ | Weight 230
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Sturdy Wing with Shooting Upside
Top NBA Skill: Being Friends with Wemby
All jokes aside, Tidjane is one of Victor Wembanyama’s close friends from the French circuit. Another young prospect, Tidjane flashed raw shooting ability this past year along with excellent off-ball movement at the wing position. Reports indicate he’s a gym rat, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a team with more inside information drafts Salaun higher, but this projection feels safe based on his tape.
Position C | School Baylor | Year Freshman | Age 20 | Height 6’11″ | Weight 230
T$ Likely Player Outcome: High Energy Rim Runner
Top NBA Skill: Paint Protection
If you put Yves Missi and Clint Capela in a room together, I can’t tell the difference. That’s a compliment for a freshman big who carved out an important role on an established Baylor team. Missi thrives in drop coverage, showcasing shot-blocking prowess and transition offense that offer upside beyond typical deep-bench NBA bigs. Developing perimeter skills would greatly benefit him, but this draft spot is a safe bet for a young big with potential.
Position F/G | School Ratiopharm Ulm | Year Rookie | Age 18 | Height 6’9″ | Weight 210
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Complementary Bench Wing with Pull Up Prowess
Top NBA Skill: Offensive Movement
Dadiet is a project player but has shown strong scoring tools that could be a steal at the next level. He was somewhat overlooked on his team in Germany, yet he displayed a knack for finding open space to shoot in the halfcourt and a pull-up game off the dribble. He’ll need time to develop in the G-League, but I anticipate Pacome breaking through at some point in the future.
Position G | School Colorado | Year Junior | Age 21 | Height 6’2″ | Weight 190
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Bench Floor General and Spark Plug Scorer
Top NBA Skill: Off-Dribble Playmaking
Simpson emerged as the clear-cut leader of a veteran Colorado team and displayed significantly improved shot-making prowess in the 23/24 season. KJ excels at keeping his dribble alive while scanning the floor and proved deadly off the bounce. His size is the only thing holding him back from being a higher pick, but the league has seen smaller players carve out roles running bench units. Simpson should be a plug-and-play offensive threat.
Position F | School JL Bourg | Year Rookie | Age 19 | Height 6’8″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: High Volume Wing Shooter
Top NBA Skill: Age & Size
There’s a good chance I’m missing something behind the scenes, but Risacher hasn’t shown enough on tape to project him as more than an upside European stash prospect. He possesses great size and is young enough to develop, but he lacks a polished handle, consistency in his jumper, and standout defensive instincts. Players like him are worth a bet late in the first round or early second, but a potential number 1 pick? No way.
Position F | School Colorado | Year Senior | Age 23 | Height 6’9″ | Weight 220
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Bench Wing with Reliable Fundamentals
Top NBA Skill: Complementary Offensive Scoring
At this point in the draft, every team must weigh upside against the immediate impact a rookie can provide, and Da Silva is poised to offer the latter. With his robust frame, Tristan frequently defended up in college and demonstrated prowess in the post, securing rebounds efficiently. I foresee him having the potential to resemble a player like Maxi Kleber at the next level—a small-ball center with grit. That might not earn him a max contract, but it certainly lands him in the top 30 of the T$BB.
Position F | School Kentucky | Year Freshman | Age 20 | Height 6’7″ | Weight 210
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Heat Check Scorer off the Bench
Top NBA Skill: Athletic Tools
Maybe I’m just giving some love to Philly and Imhotep with this Justin Edwards ranking, but I do see his value at this selection. He’s a big-bodied wing who, at his peak, showed contagious energy and shooting prowess for Kentucky, but at his low points, he seemed to disappear. Edwards possesses raw skill and size, but unlocking his potential will require the right NBA team to invest in him.
Position F | School Baylor | Year Senior | Age 23 | Height 6’8″ | Weight 215
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Bench Wing Doing the “Dirty Work”
Top NBA Skill: Defensive Intensity
During Baylor games, my focus was usually on reviewing Yves Missi or Ja’Kobe Walters’ tape, but consistently, it was Bridges’ effort that impressed me. Standing at 6’8″, Jalen defended positions from 1 through 5 in college and displayed a genuine willingness to switch in the half court. Although his jump shot is not perfect, he could immediately contribute defense and intangibles to a contender.
Position G | School USC | Year Freshman | Age 19 | Height 6’3″ | Weight 210
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Deep Bench Defensive Guard with Catch & Shoot Pop
Top NBA Skill: Being Lebron’s Son
There are two conflicting realities when it comes to Bronny: 1. he’s seen as a nepo-baby who may secure a roster spot solely because he’s LeBron’s son, and 2. he’s a naturally skilled combo guard who has received high-level training throughout his basketball life. While I believe he’s still too raw to make an immediate impact in the NBA, the developmental time he’ll receive should lead to a promising career. I see similarities with Gary Payton III for Bronny and believe he can contribute value to a team, but it may take 3-5 years to fully realize his potential.
Position G | School UConn | Year Senior | Age 24 | Height 6’4″ | Weight 200
T$ Likely Player Outcome: Savvy Bench Scoring Guard
Top NBA Skill: 3 Point Shooting
Closing out the big board is Cam Spencer, who navigated through four collegiate years before landing at UConn for their second title run. Shooting 44% from beyond the arc on over 4 attempts per game—that’s the standout stat for Spencer. He’s a smart player who competes defensively, but his NBA longevity will hinge on his ability to pose a perimeter threat. After seeing Payton Pritchard get minutes in the NBA Finals, I’m willing to push my chips in.
ROUND 2
With a draft rich in skill, fit becomes paramount. This next group of players has the talent to be valuable role players, but their success will heavily hinge on finding the right NBA situation:
| 31. | Isaiah Crawford | SF | Louisiana Tech |
| 32. | Johnny Furphy | SF | Kansas |
| 33. | DaRon Holmes II | C/F | Dayton |
| 34. | Jamal Shead | PG | Houston |
| 35. | Harrison Ingram | SF | North Carolina |
| 36. | AJ Johnson | SG | Australia |
| 37. | Blake Hinson | SF | Pittsburgh |
| 38. | Tyler Smith | PF | G-League Ignite |
| 39. | Ja’Kobe Walter | SG | Baylor |
| 40. | Zach Edey | C | Purdue |
| 41. | Baylor Scheierman | SF | Creighton |
| 42. | Kwame Evans | PF | Oregon |
| 43. | Ulrich Chomche | C | NBA Academy Africa |
| 44. | Tristen Newton | PG | UConn |
| 45. | Antonio Reeves | SG | Kentucky |
| 46. | Jaylen Wells | SF | Washington State |
| 47. | Dillon Jones | SF | Weber State |
| 48. | Ajay Mitchell | PG | UC Santa Barbara |
| 49. | Adem Bona | C | UCLA |
| 50. | Kel’el Ware | C | Indiana |
| 51. | Kyle Filipowski | PF | Duke |
| 52. | Nikola Djurisic | SF | Serbia |
| 53. | Trey Alexander | SG | Creighton |
| 54. | Kevin McCullar | SF | Kansas |
| 55. | Oso Ighodaro | C | Marquette |
| 56. | Zyon Pullin | PG | Florida |
| 57. | Melvin Ajinca | SG | France |
| 58. | Bobi Klintman | PF | Australia/Wake |
| 59. | PJ Hall | C | Clemson |
| 60. | Ryan Dunn | PF | Virginia |
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